Patient's question:
Daughter is 11 years old. She has obesity. The doctor said it is very harmful to the body. She is afraid that it will be harder to lose weight when she grows older. So, she plans to start losing weight now. What should she do?Doctor's answer:
The treatment of childhood obesity requires a combination of diet and exercise. Do not be overly anxious. Weight loss is a gradual process.1. Restrictive diet: A restrictive diet should not only achieve the goal of weight loss but also ensure the normal growth and development of children. The general principle of calorie control is as follows:
- Age 5 or younger: 2.51–3.35 MJ/day (600–800 kcal/day).
- Age 5–10: 3.35–4.18 MJ/day (800–1000 kcal/day).
- Age 10–14: 10–12 MJ/day (1000–1200 kcal/day).
2. Increase exercise: Stick to daily exercise and make it a habit.